Agenda and minutes

Proposal that a Member of the Sub-Committee be elected Chairman.

It was moved by Councillor Stuart Lees, seconded by Councillor Mark Wakeman and

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That Councillor Andrew Statham be elected as Chairman of the Sub-Committee

To consider objections to Derbyshire Dales District Council Tree Preservation Order 193 for Trees on Land North of Ashleigh House, Cromford Road, Wirksworth.

The Sub-Committee visited the site prior to the meeting to appraise the situation of the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and consider the public amenity value of the trees.

The Sub-Committee considered a Tree Preservation Order made under Sections 198, 201 and 203 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, issued in respect of TPO 193 (several trees of mixed species) at Land North of Ashleigh House, Cromford Road, Wirksworth.

The Chairman invited Officers to introduce themselves, asked whether Members had any declarations of interest (for which there were none) and confirmed that the Sub-Committee was quorate.

The Tree and Landscape Officer, supported by the Development Manager and Consultant Development Manager, gave an outline of TPO 193 and informed the Sub-Committee that the apparent good structural and physiological condition, visibility to the public and ecological/biodiversity services of the group of trees justified formal protection of with a TPO.

Officers then further informed the Sub-Committee that the justification for the TPO, without modification, was to protect the public amenity of the trees being considered and their contribution to the character and appearance of the area. It was also noted that the TPO, if confirmed, would allow the Council to exert some control over future management of the trees. The Tree and Landscape Officer also informed the Sub-Committee that given the possible impact of ash dieback disease in the coming years, confirmation of the TPO would ensure the provision of suitable replacement trees.

The Sub-Committee and the other parties were afforded an opportunity to raise any questions or request clarification of the Tree and Landscape Officer’s report.

The Sub-Committee members confirmed that they had sufficient information to make a decision and withdrew into private session to discuss their findings.

The Sub-Committee resumed in public session.

It was moved by Councillor Stuart Lees, seconded by Councillor Mark Wakeman and

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That the appeal against TPO193 be dismissed and therefore that the TPO be confirmed.

Reason(s) for Decision

The Sub-Committee considered that the group of trees made a significant contribution to the areas’ public amenity and required protection due to risk of potential harm from proposed development.